Micro and Nano Structured Anti-Icing Coating

To address the Army’s need for innovative non-electrothermal rotor blade de-icing systems, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Micro and Nano Structured Anti-Icing Coating (MANSAC) technology. This proposed technology is inspired by the surface structure of a lotus leaf in nature, which has superhydrophobic and self cleaning behavior that repels ice, water, and dust from its surface, without any electric power. The innovation in design and integration of a micro/nanostructure on the surface will enable the MANSAC to block ice formation on rotor surfaces. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of MANSAC by coating the MANSAC onto the surface of the same materials as those similar to a rotor blade, and testing for the anti- and de-icing effect. In Phase II POC plans to identify fabrication processes and develop a prototype for demonstration in a realistic enviroment.